By Joy Hinman
A New Year is coming. For many it’s a time to both look back at the “old year” and give thought to the year ahead. Over and above that, almost universally, there is a powerful, genuine heart-felt wish and hope for peace on earth, for the world family of humanity.
And many people make at least one “new year’s resolution” – the desire to improve one’s own character, habits and health.
Progress for ourselves and for all mankind are high hopes and desires. It takes discipline to improve one’s own habits – everything from weight control, to safe driving, to a resolve to stop smoking; and some are more successful at it than others.
When it comes to improving things for all of humanity, a great outpouring of good will and philanthropy kicks in at this time of year. Individuals and corporations give as generously to charity as they can, to help those less fortunate –the poor, the homeless, and those who have undergone trauma personally or by natural disasters. Of course, Christmas and New Years are not the only time people who are suffering need help.
Ancient spiritual wisdom — from many faiths — gives us a good road map for how to consistently adopt into our lives practices that will bless both ourselves and others. In Christianity it is called “The Golden Rule” – taught and lived by Christ Jesus. (See link here for more. And it comes from his two “greatest commandments” – to love God first and our neighbor as ourselves.
These commandments can guide us to:
- Not make anything – food, alchohol, etc. a “god” in our lives;
- Love ourselves enough to care for our own health wisely;
- Love our neighbor enough to provide compassion and care throughout the year.
It is old wisdom. What a blessing to the whole human family, because it is the blueprint, showing us how to drop old unhealthy attitudes, think new thoughts, and deliberately move toward greater health for ourselves and for all mankind. It is a resolution that will not fail or fade away. It’s do-able!
Happy New Year!
Simple and straight forward. I like it.